Page 2933 - Week 09 - Thursday, 13 August 2015
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
There is much that can be said in the TAMS space. There is so much scope in that agency, and it is an agency which really does have a tremendous impact on the quality of life of Canberrans. People use TAMS services on a daily basis, and there are many committed staff in that agency that serve Canberrans loyally. In conclusion, I would like to put on the record my thanks and congratulations to the TAMS staff who undertake work on behalf of the government and on behalf of the Canberra community. They do so in a very good way. However, it is incumbent upon the cabinet and the relevant ministers to reprioritise some areas, as I have already highlighted, and to look at some other areas of attention that truly warrant some investment from the TAMS budget.
DR BOURKE (Ginninderra) (8.26): We all take pride in our beautiful city, and this budget reflects that pride, with a focus on the suburbs. I am proud to be part of a government that values our environment, both natural and built, and that is willing to dedicate the resources needed to keep it in good shape. Reiterating urban renewal as one of the core priorities of the ACT Labor government, this budget will see more maintenance for the suburbs of Canberra, particularly those in my electorate of Belconnen.
My constituents have often raised the issue of graffiti vandalism with me. I am pleased to say that this budget responds to those concerns, with funding for more graffiti removal and prevention. Notably, a graffiti coordinator will be employed within TAMS, and one of the coordinator’s roles will be to work closely with the street art community on the use and management of legal graffiti sites.
The budget includes $8 million over four years to fund more frequent mowing, weed control, maintenance of trees and shrubs and maintenance of Lake Ginninderra and other waterways, as well as the graffiti response. The budget also dedicates $200,000 towards footpaths and cycleways in Belconnen, comprising $100,000 for a study into improved connections with the town centre and $100,000 for a study of connections between west Belconnen, Belconnen town centre and other town centres. Belconnen will also benefit from a share in $200,000 allocated for minor safety upgrades to Canberra’s playgrounds.
The better our facilities and the better the maintenance, the more residents will be able to get out and about and enjoy our city environment. The government is keen to promote active transport and active lifestyles, and is putting money where its mouth is.
These initiatives demonstrate the ACT Labor government’s commitment to quality services and supporting Canberra’s quality of life. This is absolutely consistent with prudent government.
MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo—Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Minister for Justice, Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister assisting the Chief Minister on Transport Reform) (8.28): I am very pleased to speak about the TAMS portfolio tonight. I know that the many staff across TAMS take a real pride in our city, and they deliver the services that the Canberra community relies on every day.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video